New High-Performance PCI Digital I/O Board Boosts Productivity With Easy Installation and Free Software.

     Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

     CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2000--Keithley Instruments,
Inc. (NYSE:KEI) has introduced a new high-performance Parallel Digital
I/O Board based on 32-bit PCI bus architecture.
     The Model KPCI-3160 features 96 channels of fully programmable
TTL-level digital I/O, and an extensive array of free drivers and
utilities enable a user to be acquiring data within minutes of
installing the card. High source and sink current capabilities enable
the KPCI-3160 to be used directly for applications in lab and factory
automation, process monitoring and control, and interfacing to
electronic and electromechanical devices. The PCI bus offers simple,
jumperless installation and Plug-and-Play recognition by MS Windows(R)
9x, 2000 and NT.

     Powerful, no-charge software enhances productivity in a wide
range of environments

     Keithley has bundled the Model KPCI-3160 with the most free
software of any comparable digital I/O board on the market:

     --   Start-up Utilities and Examples - enables users to
          immediately exercise all functions of the KPCI-3160.

     --   DriverLINX(R) - 32-bit driver support for Visual BASIC,
          Visual C/C++, Delphi, TestPoint(TM), LabVIEW(TM), DLL, and
          ActiveX.

     --   LabVIEW(TM) Drivers - Virtual Instrument (VI) software
          drivers for running the KPCI-3160 under LabVIEW(TM).

     --   TestPoint(TM) Support - enables the KPCI-3160 to be used
          with Keithley TestPoint(TM).

     --   ExceLINX - an add-in which posts test data directly to an
          Excel spread sheet.

     --   VisualSCOPE - dual-channel digital storage scope application
          for Windows.

     This collection of fully functional programs, drivers and
utilities enables users to quickly and easily exercise the Model
KPCI-3160 and acquire data, and to add the board's functionality to
dedicated acquisition packages as well as industry-standard languages
such as Visual BASIC, Visual C/C++, and Delphi. The KPCI-3160 emulates
the standard Intel 8255 programmable peripheral interface (PPI),
assuring compatibility with most data acquisition software.

     High Channel Density and Versatility

     The KPCI-3160's 96 channels are organized for maximum convenience
and versatility in digital monitoring and control applications. Four
24-bit banks are each subdivided into three 8-bit ports PA, PB, and
PC, with the PC port further subdivided into two 4-bit half ports.
Each port can be independently programmed for input or output, and can
be read/write accessed regardless of initial configuration, without
affecting external signal levels. Ports default to input mode on
power-up or reset to provide an orderly initialization to a known
state. The high 15 mA source and 64 mA sink current capability can
directly operate devices such as LEDs and solid-state relays. For
sensing and switching of high-voltage/high-current AC and DC loads,
the KPCI-3160 is compatible with the ERA-01, ERB-24, SRA-01, STA-50,
STP-50 and SSIO-24 external modules and boards.

     Pricing and Availability

     The KPCI-3160 is priced at $325. Delivery is from stock. The
KPCI-3160 is protected by a 3-year warranty against defects in
materials and workmanship.

     For more information on the KPCI-3160, or any of Keithley's
measurement and data acquisition solutions, contact Keithley at:

     Telephone:            800-552-1115
                           440-248-0400

     FAX:                  440-248-6168

     E-mail:               [e-mail]

     Internet:             www.keithley.com

     Address:              Keithley Instruments, Inc.
                           28775 Aurora Road
                           Cleveland, OH 44139-1891

     About Keithley Instruments

     Keithley Instruments, Inc. provides measurement solutions to
high-growth sectors of the electronics industry, including electronic
components, telecommunications, and semiconductors. Engineers and
scientists around the world use Keithley's precision test instruments,
PC plug-in boards, and software for production test, process
monitoring, and basic research.

     Products and company names listed are trademarks or trade names
of their respective companies.

     --30--jsw/clv*

     CONTACT: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
              Ellen Modock, 440/498-2746
              [e-mail]
              or
              Reader Inquiries: 1-888/KEITHLEY (1-888/534-8453)

     KEYWORD: OHIO
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS HARDWARE SOFTWARE PRODUCT